Jeff Decker has been a mainstay of Virginia's music
scene for over a
decade. Besides appearing with his own group at local clubs, Mr. Decker records and performs regularly with the University of Virginia's highly acclaimed faculty jazz ensemble, the Free Bridge Quintet, and Robert Jospe's Inner Rhythm. He also makes guest appearances with the Charlottesville/University of Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Decker's recording output includes his work with the Free Bridge Quintet, Inner Rhythm, Aaron Binder, Greg Howard, and the Dixie Power Trios as well as his own Quartet release, "I'll Know." In the studio and on the stage, Decker has performed with such noted jazz artists as Pat Metheny, John D'earth, Michael Brecker, Anthony Wilson, Corey Harris, Hob O'Brien, and Charlie Haden.

Jeff Decker received a Bachelor of Music from the University of North Texas in 1987. He went on to earn
a Master of Arts degree in United States History from the University
of Virginia in 1991. His thesis was a social history exploring the complex landscape
of race relations within the jazz community from 1933-1948. Since the fall of 2000, Decker has further continued his academic pursuits by becoming the first student admitted to the University of Virginia Music Department's newly launched Ph. D. program.

Besides his academic ties to the University of Virginia as a student, Decker has also been employed by the music department as Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies since 1993. He has also taught at Piedmont Virginia Community College as well as maintained a private studio.

Decker's 2000 recording "I'll Know" finds him in the company of fellow UVA faculty members Robert Jospe (drums) and Pete Spaar (bass), as well as internationally acclaimed pianist Hod O'Brien. The group performs a wide range of music, drawing on Decker's own compositions, newly arranged standards, and their own versions of well-known songs by The Beatles and Stevie Wonder.

"Decker leads the band through scorching jazz textures, breaking new ground and capitalizing on the traditions of the art form for an album that blisters with energy not often seen in modern jazz. The band's groove is solid, exploring everything from the soulful to the explosive."

--from The Declaration

"Tenor saxophonist Jeff Decker's first recording as a leader shows the Charlottesville, Virginia-based musician to be an accomplished composer and improviser. . . Decker's quartet smokes through a wide-ranging set of originals, standards, and surprises."